Memberships Mean Fun in the Mid-Atlantic
Check out a local club and make some new friends.

The Mid-Atlantic region has a variety of clubs and societies to fit every skill and hobby. By joining one of them, you’ll not only be able to sharpen those skills or learn something new, you’ll also meet new friends who share your interests.

Whether you’re an avid chess player or you’re just looking to learn some basic skills, consider finding a club near you through the Delaware Chess Association (www.delawarechess.org). With a full directory of both community and scholastic clubs in the state, there is certainly one for you. Try visiting the Newark Chess Club, based in Bear, Delaware. The club meets every Thursday night and invites non-members to check them out – all ages and skill levels are welcome. By becoming a member, you can take part in USCF-rated games and events for free. Find out more at www.newarkchessclub.blogspot.com.

Spend some time exploring northern Virginia’s great outdoors with the Northern Virginia Hiking Club. You can take advantage of two weekly hikes, normally on Saturdays and Sundays, in addition to other special activities like bicycling, camping, canoeing and even moonlight hiking. Made up of more than 600 members of all ages, the club welcomes anyone who enjoys spending time outside. You can even bring along your favorite pet companion for the adventure, as long as it is well-trained and leashed. Past hikes included destinations like Prince William Forest Park and Burke Lake Park. Download the membership form and find additional information about the Northern Virginia Hiking Club at www.nvhc.com.

Share your love for gardening with others in Maryland by joining a garden club. The Crofton Village Garden Club (CVGC) has been active since 1969 and is dedicated to promoting and preserving the beauty of the community. Composed of more than 50 members, the club meets monthly and offers plenty of enlightening special events throughout the year. In February, the club participated in the 15th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count and also enjoyed “A Teacup Full of Flowers,” a special program led by Barbara Emden, floral designer extraordinaire. Learn more about the club and how to become a member by visiting www.croftonvillagegardenclub.com.

What better way to enjoy and learn about the history of the nation’s capital and its buildings than by joining a historical society? The United States Capitol Historical Society (USCHS) was founded in 1962 with the goal of educating the community on the history and heritage of the U.S. Capitol Building, as well as the people and institutions that served within it. The society offers a variety of online exhibits that give an intriguing look into various parts of the U.S. Capitol from The Capitol Collection: Artwork at the U.S. Capitol to the impressive National Statuary Hall Collection. In April, the USCHS is hosting a special educational event for high school students in the area called “Leadership and the Congress.” By becoming a member of the USCHS, you’ll be able to experience the Capitol as an insider and contribute to preserving the legacy of this historic building. For information about membership and upcoming events, visit www.uschs.org.

Keep your calendar full of exciting events by joining a local club. There’s plenty to do this season in the Mid-Atlantic region.